what is it like to work as a DevOps engineer?
The DevOps approach has emerged from the integration of two key areas in IT: development and operations. A DevOps engineer's role is to bridge these two domains: they translate client needs into tasks for the development team, effectively also serving as a business analyst. Their responsibilities include breaking down and scheduling the defined development tasks into phases. In this way, a DevOps engineer functions as both an IT specialist and a project manager. After the software is completed, they also participate in deployment and ongoing operations.
what does a DevOps engineer do?
A DevOps engineer's role is to implement processes, methodologies, and tools that optimize the software development lifecycle and improve its efficiency.
Most developers are eager to introduce new features into software applications, while operations teams focus on maintaining the stability of the software. The DevOps engineer's role is to balance these two aspects—ensuring the software runs reliably while enabling continuous development based on feedback. They concentrate on integrating code, application maintenance, and software management. The engineer oversees the deployment and launch of new software applications. This position requires strong problem-solving skills to address issues related to software development and operations. Leading development teams also demands technical expertise and a thorough understanding of the software development lifecycle.
DevOps engineers primarily work at tech companies. Since most industries, including mining and manufacturing, rely on software-driven automated processes, a DevOps engineer can work across various business sectors.
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average salary of a DevOps engineer.
Our salary calculator allows you to explore pay ranges and see how much a beginner or experienced DevOps engineer earns.
Want to know how much a DevOps engineer earns? check out our salary calculator!
salary calculatorhow can you earn more as a DevOps engineer?
The compensation for DevOps engineers depends on the complexity of the role, the size of the company, and the individual's skills and experience. At a startup, engineers typically work on smaller-scale projects and the company has a more limited budget for salaries. In contrast, at a large corporation, DevOps engineers often handle complex projects and oversee larger teams, which generally results in a higher base salary due to the increased responsibilities. Larger organizations also have more resources and can afford to offer more attractive compensation packages. The skills and qualifications of the DevOps engineer also influence salary levels. There is particularly high demand for DevOps professionals with expertise in cloud technologies, especially those experienced with public cloud platforms such as Google Cloud, Azure, or Amazon Web Services (AWS). Having experience with these cloud providers can present excellent opportunities in terms of salary and career growth.
types of DevOps engineer roles.
DevOps engineers can specialize in the following areas:
- Release manager: supports companies implementing DevOps in ensuring a smooth transition. Ensures that new application software meets the company's quality and security standards. Additionally, tests the applications and obtains the necessary managerial approvals before deployment.
- Quality assurance engineer: their role is to identify software bugs. They test new application code to ensure it doesn't break existing features or conflict with current services. They also write test automation scripts to replace manual testing.
- Security DevOps engineer: as a security DevOps engineer, you integrate security and compliance functions into the design and development processes. You can also enhance the security of applications during maintenance.
working as a DevOps engineer.
A DevOps engineer needs a broad set of technical and management skills. Learn about the specific responsibilities associated with the role, as well as the work environment and conditions for DevOps engineers.
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responsibilities of a DevOps engineer
The responsibilities of a DevOps engineer include:
- Understanding customer needs: a DevOps engineer's fundamental responsibility is to understand and grasp the needs of the clients. Their role is to ensure that the final product meets the customer's requirements. They communicate with clients and stakeholders to identify necessary improvements or features in new software applications. Subsequently, they analyze and translate these into clear, actionable tasks for the development and operations teams.
- Management of development projects: develops strategic plans to achieve DevOps objectives. For example, it assesses the risks, costs, and opportunities of a project. It defines operational requirements and manages the project's infrastructure as well. Since development processes rely on various technological stacks, automating these can be challenging. As a DevOps engineer, it implements automation tools and infrastructure components.
- Writing and editing code: develops and refines the code for software applications. Reviews software scripts and devises creative solutions to improve automation processes or resolve user interface issues. When encountering problems in the code, makes necessary corrections. While coding tasks can be delegated, it’s important to understand programming languages to provide meaningful feedback.
- Server management: acts as a server administrator to develop and monitor networks and servers. Their responsibilities include updating server access permissions, creating user accounts, and ensuring backups are in place. They review logs to identify errors. As a DevOps engineer, they establish procedures for IT professionals to troubleshoot issues and implement changes. To ensure the security of corporate data, they also integrate security features.
- Evaluation of the team's performance: leads the development and operations teams, and assesses the team's overall performance. Identifies skill gaps within the teams and prepares or trains the team to carry out specific tasks.
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work environment
As a DevOps engineer, you work for IT companies or businesses that want to develop their software applications. You typically work in an office environment, often as part of a team, focusing on software development and testing. You're surrounded by computers and sometimes work from server rooms. The role involves minimal travel unless you meet with clients outside the office. Occasionally, you work from home or perform tasks remotely from other locations.
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who does a DevOps engineer work with?
Depending on your employer and industry, you may work alongside automation specialists, data engineers, software engineers, software developers, and operations engineers. You might also be working closely with technical managers, system designers, and other experts, including systems analysts, computer hardware engineers, cloud engineers, and web developers.
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working hours schedule
A typical workweek for a DevOps engineer is 40 hours. They work during regular office hours, usually from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Sometimes, they may need to work evenings or weekends when tight deadlines arise. Most DevOps engineers work full-time, but part-time roles are also available. Additionally, some DevOps professionals work as freelancers on short-term contracts.
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development opportunities
As a DevOps engineer, your experience and unique skills enable you to take on various roles within the IT industry. For example, a DevOps engineer can progress from a junior position to leadership roles such as DevOps Manager or Lead DevOps Engineer. Large organizations managing multiple DevOps projects often have positions like DevOps Director. As DevOps engineers, you can also specialize in a particular area and deepen your expertise. For instance, you might focus on security design, or become a consultant or trainer in the field.
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why it's worth looking for a DevOps engineer position through randstad
There are several advantages to seeking a DevOps position with the assistance of a Randstad consultant:
- an advisor well-versed in the IT sector of the labor market supports the selection process
- you can find a wide range of job opportunities on our website
- whether you're looking for a fixed-term or permanent position, we help you find the job that best fits you
required studies and skills.
studies.
To work as a DevOps engineer, acquiring the necessary professional knowledge is essential. It is recommended to choose one of the following training programs to get started:
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bachelor's degree
A career as a DevOps engineer is a technical path that requires higher education qualifications. A degree in computer science or a related software development field can serve as a solid foundation. To improve employment prospects, it is advisable to expand your skills and knowledge through postgraduate training.
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bootcamp
As an alternative, you can also complete a shorter, bootcamp-style course with a DevOps specialization.
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certificates
Some employers prefer candidates who hold the PMI agile certified practitioner credential.
skills.
The following skills are required for a DevOps engineer to perform their job:
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project management skills
As a DevOps engineer, exceptional project management abilities are essential. These skills help in launching, planning, and executing DevOps projects, as well as keeping the company's software up-to-date, secure, and free of bugs.
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coding skills
Exceptional coding abilities are essential for participation in the software development phase. These skills assist in reviewing and developing code scripts to ensure that the applications meet the expected functionalities.
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communication skills
He leads the development and IT operations teams, so strong communication skills are essential for giving clear instructions to his teams. Exceptional communication abilities are also valuable when coordinating with clients or listening to team feedback.
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coaching skills
An effective DevOps engineer is always looking for opportunities to mentor and improve the team's skills. They identify gaps in employees' abilities and provide training opportunities to develop the necessary competencies.
frequently asked questions.
We have compiled the most frequently asked questions regarding the DevOps engineer role:
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what does a DevOps engineer do?
A DevOps engineer supports development and IT operations teams in creating efficient software applications that meet business needs. This involves designing and initiating projects for application development, collaborating with development teams to implement new features, and coordinating with operations teams to ensure the software's performance and reliability.
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are DevOps engineers coding?
A DevOps engineer applies their coding skills when editing or reviewing developer code. That's why they need to be familiar with as many programming languages as possible.
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what is a DevOps engineer 's salary?
Our salary calculator allows you to explore pay ranges and see how much a beginner or experienced DevOps engineer earns.
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what skills does a DevOps engineer need?
To excel in a DevOps engineering role, you need strong technical skills, such as knowledge of various programming languages. Good communication skills and creative problem-solving abilities are also essential for effective teamwork and troubleshooting.
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how can I apply for a DevOps engineer position?
Applying for a DevOps engineer position is easy: create your profile on Randstad, and browse our job offers near you. Once logged in, you can apply with just one click for the opportunity that interests you directly through our website!